Mayfield has confirmed case of
whooping cough

One case of pertussis, also known as whooping
cough, has been confirmed at Mayfield Jr./Sr. High School. The district
is notifying all parents in the district of the diagnosis, and providing
them with information on the symptoms of pertussis along with
recommendations from the New York State Department of Health.

A child who has been around someone with pertussis
may become sick with pertussis as well, especially if the child has not
received all of the pertussis vaccines (DPT or DTaP). Even if a child’s
shots are up to date, he or she may still be able to catch pertussis.

Parents who suspect their child has been in contact
with someone with pertussis should contact their family physician.
Antibiotics may prevent the child from becoming ill. If the child is
already sick, giving antibiotics early can help shorten the duration of
the illness and lessen the chances of the disease being spread to
others.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is
spread through the air by cough. Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and
a cough, which becomes much worse within 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually
include a long series of coughs (“coughing fits”) followed by a whooping
noise. However, older children, adults and very young infants may not
develop the whoop. There is generally only a slight fever. Other
symptoms of pertussis include vomiting, turning blue or difficulty
breathing. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually
do not help alleviate the cough.

The New York State Department of Health has issued
the following recommendations on pertussis:

Infants under one year old—especially those
under six months—are most likely to have severe symptoms if they
develop pertussis. When possible, young infants should be kept away
from people with a cough. Infants with any coughing illness should
be seen promptly by their doctor.

Some children seven years and older have
recently been given a vaccine called Tdap, which may give them
additional protection.

If your child comes down with cold symptoms
that include a cough, talk to your child’s doctor without delay.
Tell the doctor that pertussis has been diagnosed in your child’s
schoolmates.

Additional questions and concerns should be
directed to the Fulton County Health Department, 736-5720. If there are
any new developments in the district, parents and residents will be
informed via the Mayfield district website,
www.mayfieldK12.com, and
School News Notifier.